Kivulini Safaris Kenya
Kind of accommodation
We provide the highest standard of accommodation in each itinerary, using only the finest hotels, lodges and deluxe tented camps, with private baths. Many of these hotels have swimming pools. The service is very friendly and attentive and the cuisine is of a very high standard, catering for the international palate. Full board accommodation on request is provided for on safari, whilst "bed and breakfast" is provided for in Nairobi hotels, unless specified. We do provide at the beach, accommodation, on all-inclusive basis at selected units but in most cases, the beach hotels usually provide half board or full board accommodation . Tented accommodation in "rooms under canvas" is very popular and gives the visitors the true feel of being close to the nature without the inconvenience and insecurity normally associated with camping. The spacious insect-proof tents are usually permanently sited on concrete bases with private toilet facilities. We do usually offer our guests the option of accommodation either in ordinary rooms at the lodges or luxury tented camps. |
Necessary things to bring with you
You may bring into East Africa all the personal effects that you need, including cameras, and any amount of film.
Payment I. A deposit of 40% of the quoted price is required before any booking is made. II. The balance must reach us in Nairobi not less than 90 days prior to the commencement of the tour. III. In case where bookings are made less than 30 days before the commencement of the tour, FULL payment must therefore accompany your requirements. NOTE: The Company reserves the right to cancel tours if payment is not received in accordance with these terms, unless prior arrangements have been negotiated with regard to payment. IV. Our prices are quoted in foreign currency and payment must be made in foreign currency at the rate acceptable to the Central Bank of Kenya. Any payment made to kivulini safaris constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out herein and in more specific pre-departure passenger documentation, including the passenger information form. Accepted Payments methods: Cash MasterCard Traveler’s Checks Visa Wire Transfer American Express The Currency Fluctuation In order to keep our tour rates standardised, we do not build into the price an allowance to cover possible increases from currency fluctuations. Therefore, as currencies do fluctuate constantly around the world, it may be necessary for us to raise the tour cost, at any time before final payment, if there is exceptional cost increases beyond our control. An increase in the tour price shall not be sufficient grounds for any refund of fees already paid for the tour. Itineraries The Company, in its absolute discretion, reserves the right to alter any route or other arrangements; offer substitutes; or to completely cancel the whole or any portion of a tour, should conditions necessitate. The right is also reserved to decline the acceptance of any person as a member of a tour should the presence of that person be prejudicial to the good conduct of the tour, or be contrary to the prevailing laws of Kenya. Due to local traveling conditions, such as the unavailability of accommodation and weather, the order of the itinerary may be altered. Kivulini reserves the right to withdraw a safari or any part thereof and to make alterations in the itinerary of any safari. The conditions apply on accommodation whether we are the provider or other person or organization. Costs And Arrangements Quoted program prices include planning, handling and operational charges, and are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of June 2006. Kivulini Safaris reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. Kivulini Safaris is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any Escorted or Tailor Made program. Modification of tour content to accommodate a smaller group size will not affect published tour price. Booking fees are normally charged in cases whereby we make a hotel or lodge reservations only. The booking fee covers the communication and administration costs and is US Dollars - 100 per reservation or lodge per booking. An amendment fee of US Dollars - 100 per person per unit will be made in all cases where the client amends any part of a confirmed itinerary. Registration/Booking/Payment For all programs in our website, a deposit of $1,000 per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made within 90 days of departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of the request in order to secure confirmation. Claims And Refunds Refunds are not made for any missed services, except for verifiable extenuating circumstances. For verifiable claims to be considered, they must be received in writing within 30 days of the termination of the program and be accompanied by supporting documentation and/or a statement from the Operating Company verifying the claim. Any adjustment considered will be based on the actual price of the services involved and not on a per diem basis. Adjustments will not be made for unused sightseeing trips or meals. Kivulini Safaris will not accept any liability for any claims that are not received within 30 days of the termination of your travel program. All claims for days missed while traveling should be made in writing within 30 days of the termination of the program. A non-refundable booking deposit of US Dollars 200 per person will be charged when a confirmation of a booking is made and then later cancelled. Having accepted your booking, the date of the booking confirmation on the invoice activates the terms and conditions of the contract. Cancellation/No Show Fees The following cancellation charges will be applicable. Should you need to cancel you must notify the supplier immediately in writing for this eventuality or else your deposit will be non-refundable.
Safari Luggage
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![]() Our personalized service has been the key to our success. When you book with us, every detail is attended to and our clients are left to enjoy their safaris or beach holiday to the fullest. Since our incorporation in 1990, we have continually upgraded our operation, whilst still maintaining a personalized service of high standards. We are confident that when you go on safari with us, you will understand why we have earned ourselves such an outstanding reputation worldwide. In Kiswahili, the word 'safari' means 'journey' and immediately conjures up with visions of a never-to-be forgotten adventure. Your safari with Kivulini will be one of the most exciting and fascinating experiences of your life. We have sampled that excitement, and as a result, we have put our combined years of travel and tours experience towards transforming dreams into reality by developing exclusive safari programmes. |
Taking Good Care Of YourselfVaccinations Yellow Fever is recommended for visitors going to Kenya. After immunization, an International Certificate of Vaccination is issued to accompany you on your travel to East Africa. In addition, hepatitis (A & B), typhoid and tetanus vaccinations are recommended but not mandatory. For malaria, the best prevention is to avoid mosquito bites. Wear long slacks and long sleeved shirts, use mosquito nets, and a repellent with 30% DEET or oil of citronella. You can purchase good repellants in Kenya but it will be more convenient to buy it before you go. Malaria symptoms can appear as few as 8 days after exposure or a year later. Do not be misled by flu like symptoms of chills and fever. Since some doctors are unfamiliar with malaria, insist upon a blood test. Delays in treatment can have serious consequences. Food And Water Food served at your accommodation is carefully prepared, varied and tasty. Many of the vegetable are locally grown in gardens at your camp. Do NOT drink tap water anywhere in East Africa. Bottled water and treated water is readily available, so please do not allow yourself to become dehydrated. Water found in bottles in your room or served with meals is safe to drink. It is generally recommended to drink at least 02 to 03 liters (04 to 06 pints) of water per day to avoid becoming dehydrated. Do remember that you are in a warm climate so avoid foods with mayonnaise that may have been left out too long and unpeeled fruits outside your lodge or hotel. Some people experience mild diarrhea at some point on safari so it is a good idea to bring a treatment such as Pepto-Bismol and stronger medication such as Imodium if that doesn’t do the trick. In Shape Your safari will not include strenuous activity. In East Africa, rough roads and driving “off road” in game reserves and parks may bounce you around so you should be prepared. Walking safaris (when available) are given at a leisurely pace in order to closely examine the flora and fauna of the area. Health Abroad: Your program includes some of the most exciting and awe-inspiring areas of the world, yet they may not always conform to US - European health standards. In case there is a need for medical attention, there are excellent doctors and hospitals in Nairobi and you are enrolled in the Flying Doctor service which provides for medical evacuation to Nairobi. Altitude Chart Nairobi - Altitude in (Feet) - 5,700 Maasai Mara - Altitude in (Feet) - 5,000 - 6,400 Climate Kenya is divided by the Equator and enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country. The hottest period is in February and March and the coldest in July and August. The long rains occur from April to June and short rains from October to December. Rainfall is sometimes heavy and tends to fall in the afternoon and evenings. Conditions in East Africa are often ideal, although the coast can be humid and there are hot, desert conditions at arid sites like olorgesaillie and around Lake Turkana. But most of your destinations in Kenya boast temperatures between 70ºF-90ºF by day, and rarely below 55ºF at night. Even during the short rains, the humidity is low for much of the day, and the skies clear enough to reveal the Milky Way. Money MattersCurrency The currency unit is the shilling (KES), comprising 100 cents. Coins are in denominations of 5c, 10c, 50c and 1 and 5 shillings. Bank notes are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shillings. Importation of foreign currency is unlimited and does not have to be declared on arrival. The importation and exportation of Kenyan currency, however, is illegal. Credit Cards And ATM In Kenya some major credit cards are accepted such as MasterCard and Visa, but American Express, Discover and Diners Club are often not accepted. It is advisable to carry some cash or traveler’s checks in U.S. Dollars for purchases outside urban areas, and tipping. Exchange rates at banks within the airport are generally very good. But if you don’t have time to change money, don’t worry since you will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You will not need any local currency before you reach the hotel, where you can easily obtain it. You should not depend on your ATM card outside of the U.S. unless your bank advises otherwise. Local banks will give you notes in local currency. Keep your traveler’s checks on you, along with other valuables, including passport, credit cards, or lock in the safety deposit boxes when provided. Cash works best in the African marketplaces and with vendors along the road, where bargaining is expected. You should carry Traveler’s checks in small denominations. When cashing them at lodges on your program, there may be a shortage of cash available. Smaller denominations will be appreciated and more appropriate. Tipping Tips for hotel and lodge personnel as well as drivers/guides are not included. The Safari LifeAccommodation While on safari in Kenya expect comfortable beds, fresh linens, superb meals and hot (mostly) showers in en suite facilities. Your tented camps usually provide amenities such as soaps, shampoos and insect repellents. Rooms and tents are either mosquito proof or offer mosquito nets over the bed. You will not find telephones or television (except in Nairobi). You will find unexpected comfort and décor. Roads When visiting remote areas or national parks and reserves, the roads will be rough and bumpy. Occasionally you will travel "off road", where it is possible that injuries may occur - if for example a hidden pothole is struck. Most main roads are tarred, but not those in the national parks. Mobile Telephones Telecommunications in the urban areas are easily accessible but camps often do not have mobile reception. Not all mobile phones and PDAs work overseas. If you plan to receive calls or messages, be sure to check with your mobile provider before you leave the states. It is also a good idea to get the number to call from overseas in case of service problems. As most people come on safari to "get away from it all", we suggest the following guidelines on the use of satellite or mobile phones: 1. Please use your phone in the privacy of your room only. 2. Phones should be used for outgoing calls and to check messages only. Incoming calls, and the loud ringing that ensues, should be curtailed. 3. Please do not take your phone or PDA with you on game activities or use them in the presence of other guests. Electrical Power On Safari Most lodges and camps on safari are situated in remote areas and have to generate their own electricity. Generators generally run for about 6 hours per day when guests are out on activities. These generators charge batteries located at each tented room or supply power to each guest lodge room. Typically, power will be available when you are in the lodge or camp, except during the night. Therefore, it is imperative that you have your own flashlight handy. Solar heated water is used for showers. Voltage In Kenya the power system is 240 volts AC, with 13 amp square pin plugs. Bring an adaptor/converter for small appliances. Most hotels and lodges will happily recharge video camera batteries at the reception area. And many of the most select hotels in larger cities offer in-room hair dryers. The bush lodgings all generate their own power and there may be hours when power is off… usually mid-day when everyone is out game-driving or during late night hours. Smoking Policy While on safari, there is a no-smoking policy at meals, on the vehicles, on the aircraft, and on boats (in fact anywhere where there is a fire hazard). If you are a smoker, there will be “smoke breaks” on the drives to keep you happy! Wild Animals Attacks by wild animals are rare. However, no safari in Africa can guarantee that such incidents will not occur. Please note that most camps are unfenced. Please make sure that you listen to and abide by the safety talks given by your guides or lodge/camp staff. Don’t wander off on your own without a guide - even to your room. After retiring to your rooms at night, don’t leave your rooms without signaling for a guard to come and escort you. If you are sensible, you will be safe. Flashlights As the grounds of many lodges/camps are unfenced it is essential that you bring a small flashlight (locally known as a torch) as you may encounter wild animals at night and may need it at night in your room when generators are turned off. You should also bring spare batteries as they may be unobtainable en route. The Time Zone Kenya is 08 hours ahead of the EST, except during daylight savings when it’s 7 hours ahead. Safety And Security Avoid crowds in large cities and street demonstrations and maintain a low profile. It is unwise to walk alone at night outside the immediate grounds of city hotels. The loss or theft abroad of a passport should be reported immediately to the local authorities and the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Medical Facilities Adequate medical facilities are available in Nairobi and Mombasa. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. |
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